Metabolic and physiological responses of trained working dogs during the protection phase of the “Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungs-Ordnung, Level 1” (IGP1)

This study aimed to evaluate the trends in physiological and metabolic parameters—such as heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), hematological parameters, blood lactate, and serum enzymes (LDH, AST, and CK)—in seven regularly trained working dogs during the protection phase of the IGP1 Working Trial. HR and RR measurements, along with blood samples, were collected at rest (upon arrival at the field), immediately after exercise, and 10 min post-exercise. Statistical analysis revealed significantly higher HR, RR, RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and blood lactate values both immediately and 10 min after exercise compared to rest. Creatine kinase (CK) concentrations were significantly higher 10 min post-exercise compared to rest and immediately after exercise. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between blood lactate levels and HR and RR throughout the monitoring period. Preliminarily, these findings suggest that the protection phase of the IGP1 trial involves a mixed energy metabolism, comprising both anaerobic (alactic and lactic) and aerobic pathways. The results also highlight the usefulness of blood lactate and heart rate measurements as practical indicators for assessing fitness and physiological response in working dogs during IGP1 activities.